Kibosho Hospital
Nestled high on the verdant slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, within the rainforest zone, Kibosho Hospital stands as a pillar of healthcare in the Moshi region. Accessible through winding roads that meander through vast banana plantations and the mountain’s steep inclines, the hospital offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The cooler, high-altitude air and the playful presence of monkeys in the trees create a serene and unique environment for patients and visitors alike.
Founded in 1929 as a humble dispensary, Kibosho Hospital has grown from its modest beginnings—a single building with seven rooms and a few grass-thatched mud huts—into a full-fledged healthcare institution. The 1950s and 60s saw significant milestones in its expansion, with the establishment of dedicated male, female, and pediatric wards, which continue to serve the community to this day. During the same period, the hospital added a maternity clinic, isolation wards, and staff housing, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of local healthcare.
Today, Kibosho Hospital boasts 225 beds, accommodating the needs of 120-150 outpatients daily and welcoming around 100 new births each month. It is widely recognized across the Kilimanjaro region for its specialized dental and eye care services, offering advanced treatment and exceptional care.
With decades of experience, Kibosho Hospital remains deeply committed to serving the community with excellence, blending modern medicine with a rich history of compassionate care.
FIRST JOURNEY TO KIBOSHO
On our sixth visit to Tanzania, we had the privilege to visit Kibosho Hospital, a healthcare facility perched in a stunning location approximately 20 kilometers—about an hour’s drive—north of KCMC. Our goal was to evaluate the hospital’s IT infrastructure and explore ways we could contribute to its development in the years ahead.
We were pleasantly surprised by the relatively advanced state of Kibosho’s IT systems, especially given the limited resources at their disposal. Despite working with a modest budget, the hospital has successfully built a foundational IT infrastructure that supports its operations. The various buildings spread across the hospital grounds are connected through copper cabling.
One area in need of improvement is the hospital’s internet connectivity, which remains suboptimal. Enhancing the internet facilities will be crucial in helping Kibosho Hospital continue to evolve and provide even better care to the community.
ENHANCING KIBOSHO HOSPITAL’S CONNECTIVITY
Beginning in October 2024, we are set to introduce new network devices at Kibosho Hospital, marking a pivotal step in transforming its IT infrastructure. In close collaboration with the hospital’s local IT team, we have developed a plan for a new cabling system that will provide a faster, more reliable network, ensuring seamless connectivity across all hospital departments.
A top priority is the upgrade of the internet connection, which will significantly improve the hospital’s online capabilities. This will be complemented by the installation of a high-end firewall, ensuring that Kibosho’s network is not only faster but also secure and resilient. These enhancements will empower the hospital to offer improved healthcare services while laying the groundwork for future technological advancements.